Dayton, OH · Private University
Is Wright State University-Main Campus Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,500
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$11,188
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,606
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$82,424
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.40x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
45.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,216
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Wright State University-Main Campus graduates earn $4,500 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Wright State University-Main Campus ranked by graduate earnings
116 graduates
58 graduates
33 graduates
150 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Wright State University-Main Campus
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Wright State University-Main Campus, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $83,622) and the lowest (Film/Video and Photographic Arts: $24,617) is $59,005/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $83,622 | 4.1x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $78,729 | 3.8x |
| Computer Engineering | $76,266 | 3.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $75,309 | 3.6x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $73,018 | 3.5x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,145 | 3.1x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $61,401 | 3.0x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $59,276 | 2.9x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $59,113 | 2.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,589 | 2.8x |
| Marketing | $56,544 | 2.7x |
| Political Science and Government | $55,318 | 2.7x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $54,770 | 2.7x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $54,287 | 2.6x |
| Biology, General | $52,338 | 2.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,017 | 2.4x |
| Social Work | $44,078 | 2.1x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $42,990 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,522 | 2.1x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $41,755 | 2.0x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions(1yr data) | $41,318 | 2.0x |
| Mathematics(1yr data) | $39,950 | 1.9x |
| Criminology | $39,894 | 1.9x |
| Psychology, General | $39,056 | 1.9x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $38,524 | 1.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $38,147 | 1.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,663 | 1.8x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $37,095 | 1.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $34,569 | 1.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $33,078 | 1.6x |
| International/Global Studies(1yr data) | $32,819 | 1.6x |
| History | $29,164 | 1.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $28,561 | 1.4x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $26,927 | 1.3x |
| Film/Video and Photographic ArtsLowest(1yr data) | $24,617 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Wright State University-Main Campus stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,500 10 years after starting, $4,500 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.